The United Kingdom has cast doubt on claims by Israel that Iran possesses long-range missiles capable of striking major European cities, including London, amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking on BBC’s Sunday programme, Steve Reed stated that there is “no assessment to substantiate” Israel’s assertion that Tehran has developed missiles with a range of up to 4,000 kilometres.
“There is no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK — or even could if they wanted to,” Reed said, emphasizing that British intelligence does not currently support such claims.
His remarks come after the Israel Defense Forces warned that Iran is advancing its missile capabilities to a level that could threaten cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. The IDF described Iran as a “global threat,” alleging that Tehran has ambitions to extend its reach across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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However, UK officials remain cautious about accepting that assessment without concrete intelligence backing.
🚀 Missile Incident Raises Questions
The debate intensified following a recent missile incident involving Iran and a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
According to reports, Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward the base, located approximately 3,800 kilometres from its territory. One missile reportedly failed mid-flight, while the other was successfully intercepted before reaching its target.
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The attempted strike has raised concerns about Iran’s evolving military capabilities, though experts note that its known missile range — estimated at around 2,000 kilometres — still falls significantly short of both Diego Garcia and mainland Europe.
🪖 Mixed Reactions from UK Officials
While the government maintains there is no verified long-range threat, some voices within the UK political and defense circles urge caution.
James Cleverly acknowledged that Iran is developing “very, very long-range missiles,” but declined to confirm whether they could reach the UK, noting he no longer has access to classified intelligence.
Meanwhile, retired British Army general Richard Shirreff said Israel’s warnings should be taken seriously, but also viewed within a broader geopolitical context.
“Of course Israel is going to say this,” Shirreff noted, suggesting that such statements could be aimed at drawing more international support into the conflict.
🌍 UK Expands Military Posture
The missile scare comes as the UK adjusts its military strategy in the region. The government has expanded its “collective self-defence” framework to include strikes on Iranian-linked targets threatening vessels in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil transit route.
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British bases, including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, have also been made available for allied operations, particularly by the United States.
Despite criticism from opposition parties warning of deeper involvement in the conflict, Reed insisted the UK is not seeking escalation.
“This is about adapting to new threats and protecting British interests,” he said.
⚖️ Calls for Parliamentary Oversight Rejected
Political pressure is also mounting at home, with the Liberal Democrats and Green Party calling for a parliamentary vote before allowing further use of British bases in military operations.
However, Reed dismissed the proposal, arguing that there is “no precedent for a vote in Parliament for defending British people who are under attack.”
🧭 Conclusion
As tensions continue to rise, the disagreement between Israel and the UK highlights a broader uncertainty surrounding Iran’s true military capabilities. While Israel sounds the alarm over a potential long-range threat, Britain remains unconvinced — for now.
What is clear, however, is that the situation is evolving rapidly, with each development carrying significant implications for regional stability and global security.
